Writing a Script


The first (and probably most) important part of making a movie is creating a script. The script is the blueprint for the movie- it tells you about the characters, the dialogue, the action, the mood, basically everything you need to get started. In the past we've attempted to make movies without using scripts, and have had mixed results. There's something to be said about the benefits of occasional improv (nothing's better that genius spawned from pressure), but it's definitely risky trying to make up a good movie on the spot. Often crucial things are forgotten (such as the plot).

If you're not exactly sure how to lay out your script, the best thing you can do is read as many movie scripts as you can. It will give you a good idea of what goes into a script and what should be included. Two scripts that I have read and enjoyed immensely are "A Few Good Men"(by Aaron Sorkin) and "Terminator 2"(by James Cameron an William Wisher Jr.). Both can be found on the movie script pages I've listed below. The dialogue in "A Few Good Men" is so crisp and intelligent that it astounded me-as you'll soon or have already found out writing dialogue is a lot harder than you'd think! T2 is a good example of writing a script for an action movie. Besides that, if you're familiar with either of the two movies, you'll enjoy reading parts of the movies that were either revised or left on the cutting room floor after editing.

So, after you've read some scripts and come up with a basic idea, there are a few pointers writing getting it all down on paper-

  • Start by writing out your ideas in an outline, it's a good way to organize your thoughts before getting started
  • Keep in mind your purpose, or what you're trying to say. If there's a central theme,(and there probably should be), make sure it's conveyed through your dialogue, action, mood, etc.
  • Be very aware of continuity. Sudden changes in characters, locations and time frames should be kept carefully in line. The script should flow not jump over important points
  • Be realistic. If you don't have the resources, expertise or dinaro to create a scene, don't taunt yourself by writing it down. I mean, just because the movie will be better if your main character jumps down from a burning building and into a speeding truck, wrestles with the driver, then crashes into a gas station causing a major explosion, DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN DO IT!!!
  • If something sounds a bit implausible to you, for the love of god change it. People are, like it or not, going to notice if something impossible happens. Lack of respect for the audience's intelligence has been the cause of messes like "Chain Reaction".
  • Have other people read the script aloud and listen to it. Sometimes dialogue that sounds sharp and witty on the page can sound, well, just damn silly when spoken. Plus, the people reading are likely to be objective. If they start laughing at a part that isn't supposed to be funny, change it.
  • Finally, NEVER EVER be afraid to rewrite (or re-rewrite. or re-rewrite again) the script. Revisions can help to fine-tune your message and give you a chance to work out problems that you hadn't noticed before.


Well, I hope that helps to get you started. For a wider range of movie scripts, you can check out Drew's Script-O-Rama, Gods Amoung Directors, or Screenplay451

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